“So don’t worry, saying “What will we eat”, or “What will we drink?, or “What will we wear?” For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of G-d and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34

My family is from Arkansas. We’re SO Southern, my mom’s name is Dixie! Once, we were asked to leave a Chinese establishment, after my mom wandered into their family shrine and asked my dad to take a photo of her tickling Buddha’s belly, “Koochy-koochy-coo!”

After that, whenever I heard a preacher talking about idolatry, the only image I had was of Dixie rubbing Siddhartha’s tummy! I wondered, “How could those people be so crazy as to believe that an idol carved from wood or stone has the power to bless or curse them?” I was so glad Americans aren't idol worshipers try telling that to Simon Cowell of American Idol fame.

An idol is anything that you assign power to bless (or curse) you. An idol is anything (intended or not) that you trust more than G_d or the Bible.

How does this look in our culture? Let’s see…are you satisfied with your wardrobe? Do you feel more powerful or attractive when you wear certain outfits? What about the clothes that you just sent to Goodwill? Did they used to make you feel powerful…but somehow lost their “power” last season?

What about cars, electronics or comfort foods? Americans are no-less idolaters than any other pagan culture. We are all guilty, myself included. There is nothing wrong with nice things, or trendy accompaniment. The sin is in the power & worship we ascribe to such things…power & worship that belongs to G_d, alone.

To quote the great theologian, Mick Jaggar of the Rolling Stones (joking, of course): “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.” Of course, Mick Jaggar was no theologian, but the Bible says G_d knows what we need, so don’t worry about fashion or food. We should worship the Provider instead of the provision.

Blessings.

~Steve Wiggins, Assistant Rabbi

Shuvah Yisrael 

Daily Devotional, Thursday, April 25, 2013